Category Archives: Health and Wellness

This post is written in partnership with inBody, a natural therapy spa in Arlington, MA. I received a complimentary float therapy session in exchange for this post.

I’m not sure when or where I first heard about float therapy, but I know I took an instant shine to the idea. One of my favorite places to be is floating just far enough off shore that I can’t hear anything (or anyone… asking me for more snacks), but close enough that I won’t accidentally get pulled out to France and/or eaten by a shark. I love the sensation of being weightless, but also totally aware of my body and breath. I love the meditative rhythm of the waves, and that feeling that’s pretty close to surrender.

The water at the Cape is far too cold for floating these days, and we’re not headed south any time soon (though I am day dreaming of this amazing trip), so when Christine + Valerie at inBody invited me in for a complimentary service, I jumped at the chance to try float therapy.

THE SCOOP ON FLOAT THERAPY at INBODY

The Arlington spa is a short drive from the city and is beautifully decorated (the fireplace in the lounge was my favorite, especially given that it was -300° F on the day of my appointment). Valerie gave me a quick tour and then brought me to the float area, which includes a private shower + changing area, along with the float tank itself. Unlike other places that offer float therapy, inBody’s float tank is not a pod (I was initially concerned that I might get claustrophobic, so I was both relieved and surprised by how spacious the float tank is). Valerie walked me through the process, and then it was time to float!

You shower both before and after floating (inBody offers towels and basic shower supplies, as well as earplugs) and then step into the float tank. The tank provides a total sensory deprivation experience — if that’s what you’re looking for. I was a bit of a wimp at first and kept the lights and ambient music low for the first few minutes, but then decided to go for it.

Float sessions last 60 minutes, and the water is filtered and sterilized between sessions. Water is kept at body temperature and contains hundreds of pounds of epsom salt, so floating in the tank is truly effortless (like… you couldn’t sink if you tried…).

MY EXPERIENCE WITH FLOAT THERAPY at INBODY

I went into the float tank expecting (or hoping) to totally zone out and be, like, hyper relaxed. It took almost no time for my body to relax and get comfortable. I had gone to Mama Beasts class and run the day before, so my creaky knees and hips definitely appreciated the instant release. The music and light controls were within reach and very easy to adjust. After a few minutes, I turned both off and really embraced the sensory depravation experience.

I’m sure everyone’s experience with float therapy is different, but it was not at all what I expected (in a very cool way). I definitely did not zone out (though I know many people do). Instead, I found my brain sort of kicking into overdrive. At first I felt like I had failed some sort of mental test (shouldn’t I be able to quiet my thoughts, at least for a little bit?), but it occurred to me how rare it is to have literally nothing tugging at our attention. No music, no noise, no people, no phone or other electronics, no imagery, nothing. It made sense to me then, that the thoughts and ideas would flow, filling up the space that’s usually occupied by the daily noise. I let go of my expectation of essentially water nap time (that does sound legit, though), and embraced what became a really productive + energizing creative brainstorm. I left the tank with renewed energy and clarity, excited about a number of projects I am working on.

WOULD I FLOAT AGAIN?

Yes. Absolutely. And now that I have a better sense of what to expect, I think I’d get even more out of it. I think I’d likely try to go later in the day (I went straight from dropping the kids at preschool), if only to avoid having to rush home and make myself look like, well, I hadn’t just been floating for an hour. I’d also recommend bringing your own deep conditioner or hair mask (this is what I use) to wear home, as I found the salt dried out my hair a bit. Otherwise, it was such a positive and energizing experience.

I’m also looking forward to checking out inBody’s other services, which include:

Services can be purchased separately, in sampler packages, or as part of a monthly membership. For pricing info, visit inBody’s website. Anyone wish they were headed to the sauna instead of out into the arctic tundra that is Boston today?

Welp, the Patriots are going to the “Big Game” (I think we’re not allowed to call it by its real name?) …again… and I’m already mentally making party snacks. I should probably actually make actual food though… since we’ve got, like, two weeks to go. Same goes for workouts that extend beyond pacing and fidgeting and acrobatic high fiving. Let’s get down to meal plan + workouts for the week.

Part of me is like, “What can I accomplish food and workout-wise without leaving the house until the temperature exceeds 20°F May?” But a larger part of me is like, “If I don’t leave the house this week, I will drown in Duplos.” Also, the family cannot survive on yogurt pouches alone. And grocery shopping is, like, my second or third favorite past-time (behind Googling Jeopardy! contestants, and talking about cool stuff with my dog). So… here’s my meal plan + workouts for the week.

MEAL PLAN + WORKOUTS FOR THE WEEK | 1/8/18

MEAL PLAN

Grapefruit + Feta Fregola Salad (recipe from Real Simple): I’m going to use farro instead of fregola (I think fregola is going to be my new favorite substitute swear word) and add some arugula to the mix

WORKOUTS

I’ve yet to successfully complete a full Tone It Up challenge, but… new year, new me? we shall see. I do plan to incorporate a bunch (technical term) of TIU workouts into my weekly plan since I have all the necessary equipment and a membership to both the nutrition plan + app. I like that all the workouts can easily be done at home (where it’s warm and no one can see my embarrassing French bulldog socks).

This post is part of a paid partnership with Legacy Place. Please be sure to scroll down for details on your chance to win one of three $200 Legacy Place gift cards on Instagram.

STAYING CALM + BRIGHT DURING THE HOLIDAYS with LEGACY PLACE

Last week I had a few hours to myself (the ultimate mom luxury) and a lengthy holiday to do list (my favorite sort of to do lists) to tackle. After dropping Grace and Nick at preschool, I jumped on 93 for the 20 minute drive from the city to Legacy Place in Dedham. Since becoming a mother, I’ve really come to appreciate the convenience of one-stop destinations like Legacy Place. I am very down for the ample free parking, not to mention the fact I only need to make the car seat to stroller transfer once. And the kids love it because the Whole Foods there has the cool tractor shopping carts.

As I scanned my list (groceries, a card for our neighbors, baby items for the Mama Beasts donation drive, stocking stuffers for my Secret Santa, and *fingers crossed* a polish change), I noticed the Christmas music playing over the outdoor speakers and the planters brimming with evergreens, berries and ornaments. I think you know this already, but I’m the sort of person who would play Christmas music and deck the halls year-round if I thought I could get away with it (I’ve tried… and failed).

I am so easily swept away in the busy-ness of this season, so easily wrapped up in the need to check every box. But with so many gentle reminders (the music, the decorations, the general spirit of it all) around us, I find myself feeling more grounded, more present, more calm and more bright.

I hope these tips will help you to stay present among all the presents, too. And I wish you and your families a very happy and healthy holiday season.

TAKE CARE OF YOUR BODY… AND YOUR MIND + SPIRIT, TOO

I told you they have the cool carts at Legacy Place.

If you have kids, work with kids, encounter kids on the T, saw a kid once at a restaurant… you know that the holiday season is also cold and flu season. This is the time of year to be loading up on the healthy foods that help your body’s immune system (the Pink Juice from Whole Foods Market at Legacy Place is loaded with Vitamin C and, basically, I am obsessed with it… it’s so good). Save room for treats, obviously, but be sure you are taking care of your body.

And please be sure you’re taking care of your mind + spirit (or whatever you want to call it), too. Make time for rest, for restoration, for long chats with friends, for snuggling with your kids and pets, for good meals with your partner, for stretching, for yoga (if that’s your thing), for ridiculous holiday movies, and for all the things that make you feel your best.

While at Legacy Place, I made sure to stock up on the ingredients for my favorite lentil soup, our usual fruits and vegetables, some turmeric for tea and golden milk, and treated myself to a new water bottle (gotta stay hydrated, my friends) before perusing the new Restore line at Athleta. I want to live inside that rack — all those cozy greys! I bought some warmer tights for outdoor runs and a new tank a Soul Cycle ride or two.

MULTITASK… AND UNI-TASK

There’s a time and place for multi-tasking (for most people, that’s all the time/everywhere)… it’s how we get most of our things done in life. While picking up stocking stuffers for my Secret Santa (my siblings and I draw two names for Christmas — one for a larger gift, and one for a stocking), I asked Elissa at bluemercury for her skincare and beauty recommendations. My skin tends to go rogue as the seasons change, and I found her suggestions really helpful. While waiting in line, I did the usual (check emails, check messages, confirm a doctor’s appointment).

But when I stopped to grab a coffee at Caffé Nero, I did just that. No multitasking, no checking my phone, just 10 minutes of sipping my latte. I’m amazed by how much more I notice and absorb when I am not trying to fill the minutes with productivity and other things. Semi-related: Caffé Nero is basically Instagram heaven. The design is as good as the coffee.

If you can, balance your holiday multitasking with some uni-tasking (is that a word?). Holiday traditions like decorating your tree, preparing special meals, reading favorite stories, and wrapping gifts provide great opportunities to focus and really enjoy those specific activities.

GET SOME FRESH AIR + TAKE NOTE OF THE LITTLE THINGS

Though it’s finally starting to feel like December in New England, I’m a firm believer (though not a scientist nor doctor) in the power of fresh air. One of my favorite things about shopping at Legacy Place is all the outdoor space. The sidewalks are wide and safe (very stroller friendly) and you can easily get your 10k steps (or whatever) while running errands.

From their own Little Free Library to public art like their new mural, Legacy Place has lots of delightful elements and artwork throughout the property. Can you make time this week for a short (or long) walk? What sorts of things will you notice along your way?

UNPLUG + CONNECT

While I hope you know I’m glad you’re here (and I’d love to see you on Instagram, too — and I’d especially love for you to win one of the Legacy Place gift cards we’re giving away this week…), I encourage you to spend as much time offline as you can this holiday season. Consider how you can replace time spent scrolling through photos of strangers’ Christmas light displays (#guilty) with time spent connecting with family and friends.

I first met Simone and Laura, sisters and owners of Elburne, an eco-friendly home and decor shop, on the Insties (or the ‘gram… I prefer Insties… also, I’m 35 and should call things by their real name). They have a beautiful shop on the Cape in Dennis, not far from my favorite place to collect mussel shells (Cold Storage Beach). One afternoon, I pretended to not be an introvert and stopped into introduce myself (and shop their amazingly curated collection of local art and goods).

I was thrilled to find out they would be opening a pop-up shop at Legacy Place this holiday season (through January 15) and loved having a chance to chat with Laura (in real life) in their new space last week. Their pop-up is full of beauty gift items, home goods and furnishings, and plenty of good vibes. Technology does so much for us, but nothing beats making face to face connections.

FOCUS ON GRATITUDE

My last tip for enjoying a calm, bright, happy and healthy holiday season will likely come as no surprise to you (especially if you’ve joined in my Season of Gratitude project). Make a commitment to focus on gratitude this holiday season. Take note of what your thankful or grateful for and note how that shift in thinking affects how you feel and how you approach your to do list, your family, your health and wellbeing, and the world around you.

I’m thankful I ended up with enough time for that polish change (T-Style Nail, located next to Hanna Andersson, was lovely!). But even more so, I’m thankful for each of you.

***For your chance to win one of three $200 Legacy Place gift cards to enjoy the fun and convenience of #LifeAtLegacy, please click over to my Instagram feed for details this week. Winners will be announced and contacted by Instagram DM on 12/22 You can find direct links to my giveaway posts below:

A SEASON OF GRATITUDE: WEEK 2

Wednesday, November 8: I am grateful for Grace’s preschool teachers. They are so kind and compassionate, and I know she is safe and happy under their care. For someone who worries about everything (and then some), this means the world.

Thursday, November 9: I am grateful for opportunities to connect with fellow bloggers/Instagrammers (slash-real-people) and brands I love. Tonight’s holiday event with Whole Foods Market felt extra warm and encouraging.

Friday, November 10: I am grateful for our escape hatch Cape house. (It really does feel like an escape hatch, though. And a cozy one, at that. There’s just something about crossing the bridge that does it for me.)

Saturday, November 11: I am grateful for my sweet, silly, darling niece who turns 2 today and can play a mean (toy) electric guitar.

Sunday, November 12: I am grateful (and sort of terrified) to have two babes and zero cribs. In less than a month, both our kids have made the move to beds (or “big girl beds” as Nicky calls them…). They are growing and changing and learning… on their own schedules… just like they’re supposed to do. It’s amazing and wild.

Monday, November 13: I am grateful for $5.99 craft/activity sets from CVS.

Tuesday, November 14: I am grateful for the two women who gave me a manicure/pedicure this morning. It was quiet at the nail salon, so they offered to save me 30 minutes and do both at once. I felt extra cared for… and likely wasted that extra 30 minutes, but hey.

Thank you for sharing:

If you’re short on time, my meal plan for the week can be summed up in two words: mashed potatoes. But hopefully you’ve got a few minutes to stick around, because in addition to some meal + workout ideas, I’ve got a very cool mindfulness challenge from Coolidge Corner Yoga to share with you this week.

Monday:Mama Beasts (hoping to get there in time from gymnastics… I don’t want to miss this year’s can workout/food drive)

Tuesday: Yoga

Wednesday: Mama Beasts

Thursday: Row/basement workout of some sort

Friday: Walk at the Cape with the family

Saturday: Yoga

Sunday: Run (and/or family walk in the woods)

#OMFORTHEHOLIDAYS

I’m really excited to join Coolidge Corner Yoga (and their sister studio in the South End, Sadhana Yoga) for their #OMfortheholidays six week mindfulness challenge. The challenge begins this week (Monday, November 20) and runs through New Year’s Eve. All are welcome (and encouraged!) to participate, both in studio or at home. The goal of this inclusive challenge is to make room for mindfulness, movement, and focusing on what matters most this holiday season. Coolidge Corner Yoga will provide weekly inspiration for self-care and mindfulness, as well as a chance to win prizes from their challenge partners. I am really looking forward to continuing my daily meditation practice (going on 50 consecutive days, baby!), carving out more mindful + focused time with my children, and treating my body kindly.

Make mindfulness part of your weekly routine, either in the studio or at home

Post it: Every week share your mindfulness practice on social media using the hashtags #coolidgeyoga #omfortheholidays, and tag @CoolidgeYoga (Make sure you use all three tags each week to be eligible to win prizes!)

Check in every Monday on the CCY website or on social media for your mindfulness inspiration for the week ahead

[Disclosure: I received a class pass in exchange for sharing about this challenge. I truly hope many of you will join me in participating!]

A SEASON OF GRATITUDE: WEEK 1

Wednesday, November 1: I am grateful for the chance to paint for a few hours once the babes are asleep.

Thursday, November 2: I’m grateful for an interview I heard with David Ridgen from CBC Canada because there was a tiny aside where he said he prefers to call pets “friends.” This made me smile (even though I’m prejudiced against cats).

Friday, November 3: I am grateful for my husband. This is true every day, but this is our 5th wedding anniversary, and so his thoughtfulness, generosity, ingenuity and enthusiasm for life are especially on my mind today.

Saturday, November 4: I am grateful for Grace’s compassionate spirit. At nearly 4 (whyyyyyyy), she is becoming more and more aware of the world around us and it is both amazing and heartbreaking. The other day she asked me why there were people in our neighborhood who hold up “signs made of cardboard by the streets.” We’ve been talking a lot lately about how fortunate we are, and also how we can be of service to others (her school does a tremendous job with this too, involving their preschoolers in monthly projects). This is turning into a novel, but today Grace and I went for a walk on the beach. There was an older woman sitting on the bench near the parking lot, a cane resting at her side. Normally I’m the first to yell stranger danger, but I watched with such a full heart as Grace climbed up on the bench next to her and told her all about her morning. It was an unexpected gift.

Sunday, November 5: I’m grateful for an extra hour of sleep. JK. Daylight Savings is a legit joke when little people run your household. I am, however, grateful for a relaxing weekend on the Cape with our family.

Monday, November 6: I am grateful for the Motown Party playlist on Spotify.

Tuesday, November 7: I am grateful for the right to vote, and I am grateful that so many good people were elected today.

This first week has proven to be a really helpful exercise for me. I find myself paying better attention to both the big things and the little things.

Thank you for sharing:

It’s been 3 months since I published a weekly meal + workout plan. I assure you, I have been eating meals… and mostly doing workouts, too. We’ve been back in a semi-normal (read: non-summer) routine for just over a month now, so I figured I’d get back in the habit of sharing my weekly meals + workouts. Rejoice and be glad. Or whatever.

Thank you for sharing:

Some weeks I fly by the seat of my yoga pants and things go well workout and meal-wise. But other times, we have a week like last week and the lack of planning nearly does me in. As much as I like to pretend I’m all Type C (is there one of those?), laid back and simultaneously highly motivated… I am not those things. I need a plan.

I’ll be the first to admit I can be tightly wound and yet… given the chance to eat popcorn for dinner while watching three back-to-back episodes of The Great British Bake Off… I will take it. Every, single time. I thrive when my days are orderly and structured (which is sort of a pipe dream when you’re parenting).

I like checking things (including workouts) off my list. And who doesn’t love knowing dinner is made and safely waiting for you in its nice little glass container in the fridge? I find a little planning and prep goes a long way. Even in the summer. When I’m trying to be all cool and casual.

MEAL + WORKOUT PLAN | WEEK OF JULY 17

MEAL PLAN:

Quinoa tabouli from Megan Gilmore’s Everyday Detox cookbook: I made this yesterday and have had it for lunch and two dinners since. It’s such a delicious, easy and nutritious meal.

WORKOUTS

I have a newfound love for our C2 Rower in the basement at the Cape. I’ve only ever rowed in short spurts during CrossFit classes, but realized this weekend how tough, effective and semi-fun a longer row can be.

Free summer fun in Boston… Because the only thing better than summer fun, is free summer fun. I think.

Even better, still, would be if this free summer fun came with some sort of plan that enables you to prevent your toddler and preschooler from running in separate directions, at high speeds, at the same time, in public…

Holler at your girl if you have such a plan. In the meantime, there are so many great (and yes, free) events being held in the Boston area this summer. Here are a few that caught my eye.

FREE SUMMER FUN IN BOSTON

All events are free + open to the public (see the link above for full listing). I’m hoping to catch a few sail by’s (is that a thing?) at Castle Island as the ships depart next Thursday, and will definitely be taking the kids to see the ships docked in the Seaport earlier in the week. You can find the list of ships by pier locations here.

This great annual program sponsors admission at several different museums and institutions on Fridays throughout the summer. Check the schedule (linked above) for featured venues, June 23rd through August 25th. Highlights include:

Every other Wednesday: Free bike tune-ups with Landry’s, 7:30-9:30 AM.

More (free!) fitness in Boston

If you’re looking for additional (free!) fitness classes throughout the city…. from yoga to line dancing and yoga to boxing, Jamie Ducharme at Boston Magazine has a great round-up here: Your Ultimate Guide to Free Fitness in Boston.